Governor Hand Loads

[The Old Salt 719]

FYI ... This post contains load data notfound in reloading manuals. Just because it has worked in my firearm does not mean it will work in yours.

I just bought a Governor, but already have a Judge. The Judge is moving on, but the load development I started with it will continue with the Governor. I am using 444 Marlin cases, Precision 410 shot wads, 7.5 to 8.0 gr Unique & 3ea. 0.357" dia mini bullets I make by putting 0000 buckshot (0.380" dia) through a 357 sizing die.
Why you ask? Because I own pistol/rifle reloading equipment. So far loadings chrono at 700 to 800 fps. With a 4" spread of bullets at 7 yrd. I have not had sufficient range time to re-confirm and refine the results. Now with the stronger Governor I may be able to increase the Unique charge into the 8.5 to 9.0 gr range.

It has been over a year since I recorded the initial testing. I will post up more info as I get it from trips to the range.

Until then I am interested in any loads others have come up with.

 

[The Old Salt 719]

Finally got to the range with the Governor. Mostly shot 45 Colt ammo. Fired 6 groups of 6 shots each at a distance of 7 yards. Fired a mix of one factory load grouping and 5 reload groupings. The first group was American Eagle 225 gr with a box listed MV of 860 fps. This was the first 6 rds ever fired from the weapon and it measured 2 3/8" and was the biggest grouping of the day. The rest of the groups were all re-loads of 225 gr LRN over 7.5 gr Unique with Win Large Pistol primers and Winchester brass, a typical Cowboy action load. Groups varied between 1 1/2" to 2 1/8". Average of all 6 groups was 1.85". As I am a 70 yr old guy with Bifocals, I'm satisfied with the results. The pistol will shoot.

Fired a couple of my 444/410 Shotshell loads. I used the 444 Marlin case to hold a Precision shot wad with 3 ea. 82gr 0.357" mini bullets over the top of 8.0 gr Unique. Grouping were not fired at clean targets so shot spread was not to be determined. Was just checking to see if they would eject OK. No problems. Next time we'll fire at clean targets so shot dispersion can be measured and reported. I will also try some Federal 000 Buckshot shells for comparison.